Simple Pushbutton Audio Controller with Enhanced SmartWiper™ Technology Saves Time, Cost, and Board Space
| Note to the Editor: Maxim has provided audio designers with the simplest control interface on the market. The MAX5486 enables the individual control of balance and volume in audio applications, and eliminates the need for a microprocessor, GPIO, and external debounce circuitry. The enhanced SmartWiper architecture automatically increases the wiper advance rate in the desired direction. Integrated wiper buffers and an onboard bias generator eliminate costly external components and save board space. |
SUNNYVALE, CA—November 15, 2006—Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) introduces the MAX5486 dual, 32-tap, audio controller with a simple, debounced pushbutton interface for volume and balance control. This device does not require an external microcontroller, GPIO, or any debounce circuitry for the control interface. An integrated algorithm separately controls volume and balance. The integrated buffered wiper outputs allow the MAX5486 to connect directly to the power amplifier of the audio circuit, and an integrated bias generator provides the necessary voltage [(VDD - VSS) / 2] for unipolar input signals. This design eliminates the need for costly external bias circuitry, which ultimately saves design time, costs, and board space.
The MAX5486's three-wire pushbutton interface features the Company's proprietary enhanced SmartWiper rapid-advance wiper-control system. SmartWiper control advances the wiper at a rate of 4Hz when the switch is closed between 250ms and 500ms, 8Hz when the switch is closed between 500ms and 1s, and 11Hz when the switch is closed for more than 1s. A mute function can be activated to set all wipers to maximum attenuation; when deactivated, it returns the wipers to their previous position. A shutdown feature can set the wipers to maximum attenuation and disconnect a potentiometer high terminal (H_) from the signal path. Deactivating shutdown returns the wipers to their previous position. Each channel includes integrated suppression circuitry that ensures "clickless" switching between wiper transitions, power-up, power-down, and mode transitions.
The MAX5486 also provides an open-drain LED mode indicator that specifies volume or balance control mode. Separate LED inputs indicate volume level or balance shift, depending on the operating mode.
Two 40k resistor strings offer ratiometric and end-to-end temperature coefficients as low as 5ppm/°C and 35ppm/°C, respectively. This controller saves power by operating from a +2.7V to +5.25V single supply or a dual ±2.7V supply. Moreover, it requires less than 0.5µA in standby. Available in a 6mm x 5mm, 24-pin TSSOP package, the MAX5486 offers significant size reduction compared to mechanical potentiometers. Prices start at $1.57 (1000-up, FOB USA).
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